You might think that only one train goes through a crossing at a time. But some accidents occur once the first train has passed and a second train comes through on a parallel track.

Trains can overhang their tracks by at least three feet. That doesn't even count the hooks and other components that can hang off of the sides.

The ONLY legal and safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

DO NOT walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels. You can be arrested and fined.

DO NOT walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad bridges. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian walkways – there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.

DO NOT attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb, even your life.

Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule; schedules for passenger trains change.

Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.

Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them. Trains have the right of way 100 percent of the time – even over ambulances, fire engines, cars, the police and pedestrians.

If there are rails on the crossties, assume that the track is in use, even if the rail is rusty or covered with weeds.

The weight ratio of a train to an automobile is roughly the same as an automobile to a soda can or an elephant (or two) to a mouse.

Trains can move in either direction at any time.

Modern trains are quieter than ever, often with no "clackety-clack."

An approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.

Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it's too late to avoid a collision.

Gates do not prevent crashes, people do. Approximately half of all railroad crossing incidents occur where gates and flashing lights or another active warning device is present and operational.

Don't get trapped on the tracks. Don't stop on the tracks at a red light. Only proceed through a crossing if you are sure that you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks while a train is approaching, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. If you run in the same direction the train is traveling, when the train hits your vehicle, you could be injured by flying debris.